NEAR Rises as AI Sector Shifts Into Neutral Gear

NEAR Protocol’s native token has defied recent market trends, rising by 3% in the past week despite Meta Platforms’ decision to freeze hiring in its artificial intelligence (AI) division and a broader downturn in U.S. technology stocks [1]. The move by Meta has raised concerns about the speed of AI development and investment, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently commenting that the sector may be in a bubble [1]. Despite these challenges, NEAR continues to attract attention, with analysts and investors seeking clarity on whether the token can maintain its upward momentum amid growing uncertainty in the AI sector.

Meta’s hiring freeze comes after the company had aggressively expanded its AI workforce in recent months, adding more than 50 researchers and engineers [2]. The pause, reported by the Wall Street Journal, is seen as a sign of the broader tech industry’s recalibration in response to both internal and external pressures. This includes economic headwinds, investor concerns about overvaluation, and the need for more sustainable spending in AI research and infrastructure [2]. The move has sent ripples through the market, particularly affecting AI-focused stocks and cryptocurrencies that derive much of their value from the perceived growth of artificial intelligence.

In contrast, NEAR’s performance has shown resilience. Analysts suggest that the token’s recent gains could be attributed to a combination of technical developments within the NEAR Protocol and renewed investor interest in AI-driven blockchain projects [1]. While Meta’s hiring freeze has not directly impacted the NEAR ecosystem, it has created a broader environment of caution among investors, making NEAR’s performance all the more notable. The token’s 3% increase, albeit modest, has been interpreted by some as a sign that certain AI-related assets are beginning to decouple from the broader market volatility.

However, the broader market remains cautious. U.S. tech stocks have experienced a sell-off, reflecting investor concerns about slowing growth and the sustainability of AI investment [1]. The market is closely watching how other major players in the AI space, such as Google and Microsoft, will respond to Meta’s move. Meanwhile, within the cryptocurrency sector, NEAR faces competition from other AI-focused tokens, such as Ozak AI, which is generating significant buzz due to its integration of AI and blockchain technologies [4]. Ozak AI’s presale has already raised $2.1 million and is attracting attention for its potential to provide decentralized data processing and predictive analytics, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven financial tools.

Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be crucial for NEAR and the broader AI sector. Analysts will be watching for any signs that the hiring freeze at Meta will lead to reduced investment in AI research or a shift in the company’s long-term strategy. If the sector stabilizes, NEAR could benefit from renewed investor confidence. Conversely, a prolonged slowdown in AI investment could place downward pressure on the token, especially if broader market conditions deteriorate further. For now, NEAR’s recent performance offers a glimmer of optimism in an otherwise uncertain landscape.

Source: [1] Meta puts the brakes on its massive AI talent spending spree (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/21/meta-brakes-massive-ai-talent-recruitment-spending-spree-mark-zuckerberg-tbd-superintelligence-lab.html) [2] Meta freezes AI hiring, WSJ reports (https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-freezes-ai-hiring-wsj-reports-2025-08-21/) [3] Asian Market Value Stocks: 3 Picks Trading At Estimated ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/asian-market-value-stocks-3-223800731.html) [4] Why Ozak AI Could Become The Most Traded AI Token In ... (https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34294974/why-ozak-ai-could-become-the-most-traded-ai-token-in-the-next-bull-run)